Truth 101 Class

  Deuteronomy 23:1-25 emphasize:  Holiness - Those who enter the assembly of the LORD must not be mutilated, illegitimate, or from enemy nations.  Purity is also required within the camp. Compassion - Escaped slaves are to be given refuge and fellow Israelites are not to be charged interest on loans. Integrity - Abominable practices are to be avoided, vows to God are to be fulfilled, and greed is to be resisted, especially when benefitting from a neighbor's property. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-14 What do these laws reveal about God's holiness and the requirements for entering His presence? [NOTE: Consider God's compassion for the outcast (e.g., Isaiah 56:1-8) and the cleansing we receive through Jesus (e.g., 1 John 1:7) ] Verses 15-25 How might these laws guide me in practicing compassion and integrity in my personal life and within my community? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, follo...

  Deuteronomy 22:1-30 provide instructions that emphasize love for neighbor, community responsibility, and moral integrity. Also emphasized is the importance of being set apart by honoring God's created distinctions. And the sexual morality laws particularly relate to the seventh (" You shall not commit adultery ") and tenth (" You shall not covet ") commandments. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-4 Verses 1, 3, and 4 repeat the instruction to not "ignore" helping a neighbor. In what ways do I live out the command to love my neighbor?  Verses 5-11 How well does my life reflect that I am set apart for God? Verse 12 Numbers 15:39 says " And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the LORD and do them. " Is there anything I wear that helps to remind me to obey the LORD? Verses 13-30 What is my reaction to how far our culture has...

  Deuteronomy 21:1-23 provide instructions related to the fifth (" Honor your father and your mother "), sixth (" You shall not murder "), and seventh (" You shall not commit adultery ") commandments.  These include atonement for unsolved murders, regulations for marrying female captives, inheritance rights, and punishment for rebellious sons. This passage concludes with guidelines for executing those sentenced to death by hanging on a tree. This foreshadows Christ, who "redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us--for ... cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree” (Galatians 3:13). Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-9 What does the atonement sacrifice demonstrate to me? Verses 10-14 How does God's laws reflect His care for human dignity and the value He places on each person? Verses 15-17 What can I learn from moments when I have chosen personal preference o...

  Deuteronomy 20:1-20, despite giving instructions about warfare, reveal a God who cares.  God encouraged Israel not to be afraid, promised victory, allowed exceptions from battle, offered peace to distant cities, and prohibited cutting down trees during sieges.  Even the destruction of Canaanite cities was meant to protect Israel against idolatry.  Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-4 How can I trust God and overcome fear in the battles I face today? Verses 5-9 What distractions, priorities, or fears might hinder my service to the LORD? Verses 10-18 What happens when people reject the peace that God offers? Verses 19-20 God promised Israel blessings from trees they did not plant (see Deuteronomy 6:11), and these verses show His care in preserving them.  Similarly, how has my past obedience to God helped to bring lasting blessings in my life? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, followi...

  Deuteronomy 19:1-21 provide instructions that relate to three of the Ten Commandments: The establishment of cities of refuge for those who commit unintentional manslaughter relates to the sixth commandment (" You shall not murder "), ensuring that only true murderers are punished.  The instruction to respect property boundaries aligns with the eighth commandment (" You shall not steal "), emphasizing the importance of honoring each person's inherited land and possessions.  The requirement for multiple witnesses in legal cases, along with the punishment for false testimony, reinforces the ninth commandment (" You shall not bear false witness "), upholding truth and justice in the legal system. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-13 What does the setting apart of cities of refuge reveal about God?  Verse 14 What attitudes or actions should I guard against to avoid taking what rightfully...

  Deuteronomy 18:1-22 give instructions showing how God provides for the Levites, for He is their inheritance; warn against adopting the detestable Canaanite practices linked to the demonic spiritual realm; and point to the coming of Christ as the Prophet whose words must be obeyed [NOTE: For background regarding God at Horeb/Sinai, see Exodus 20:18-21 ] Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-8 How well do I trust the LORD to provide for my needs, recognizing that He is my portion and inheritance? Verses 9-14 What modern-day occult practices should believers guard against, and how can we remain faithful to God's commands? Verses 15-22 The Prophet mentioned in these verses points to Jesus, as seen in New Testament passages like John 6:14 and Acts 3:19-26 & 7:37. What does this reveal to me about Jesus?  For music inspired by Deuteronomy 18:18-19 for Scripture memorization, following is a link to a YouTube video...